Reviews (page 5 of 8)
Meh.
Smooth easy listening and generally good songs
I mean if you like McCartney you will like it, but basically an album of b-sides.
Sitting out in the backyard with a glass of wine, looking out at the garden -- headphones on and a slightly chilly spring breeze blowing. Was listening to this and "Oo You" came up. That moment brought me welcome feeling of joy and peace for an instant in this crazy world. Sir Paul may not be the finest musician on the planet, but damned if he doesn't know how to fit the pieces of a rock song together.
I often wonder what of the first solo records from the Beatles could possibly end up on a true Beatles record following Let It Be since a lot of the late Beatles work was pretty individualistic. Yeah, Paul went full experimental with this one and the answer to my question would probably be Maybe I'm Amazed, which wouldn't do well on a Beatles record. Out of the three non-drummers, Paul falls into a rare third with this submission, but still a decent record in a historical context. 3/5
falleg lítil lög. er stundum of grimmur við svona söngvarapopp, held þetta gæti vaxið. var of grimmur við harrýson á sínum tíma. 3,5.
This is not great, as much as I love McCartney. It sounds like an array of sketches in demo quality, with the only great track being Maybe I'm Amazed. I have no idea why it's rated so high. He sounds like a fool in love.
I've noticed over the years that if I loved the chord progressions and changes in a song, it was often Paul McCartney who wrote it.
Good album. Different from his work with The Beatles and Wings.
I can't help it I love it.
Thought it was neat how this influenced later low fi artists but god is this unlistenable :/
very little wrong with this but my god it bores me
Way too overshadowed by Band on the Run
Despite my love of the Beatles, I hadn't given this a listen. Really enjoyed the sparseness of it. It still felt Beatles-y, not yet totally Wings. A good middle ground.
Having absolutely no attachment to the Beatles or Paul this album is hilarious. THIS is what he wanted to do instead of the Beatles? He couldn’t talk to John and be like okay we can do some political stuff if you’ll let me do my not very good nursery rhymes. Okay
Paul is good
Some good music but nothing that is MUST listen. Paul did better things.
Fascinating album of pieces that in the main were obviously being prepared for The Beatles. This is the first time I’ve listened and there are some great songs and a captivating DIY to it all.
3.75
Das Album McCartney wurde überwiegend in McCartneys Heimstudio in London aufgenommen, ergänzt durch Sessions in den Morgan Studios und Abbey Road Studios. Paul McCartney, britischer Musiker und ehemaliges Mitglied der Beatles, spielte nahezu alle Instrumente selbst ein. Der Großteil des Materials entstand in einer Phase des Rückzugs nach dem Ende der Beatles. Das Album bewegt sich stilistisch zwischen Rock, Pop und akustischem Folk. Es enthält mit „Maybe I’m Amazed“ einen der bekanntesten Titel McCartneys, der sich durch seine emotionale Intensität und handwerkliche Schlichtheit auszeichnet. Weitere Stücke wie „That Would Be Something“ oder „Every Night“ geben Einblick in die introspektive Grundstimmung des Albums. Die Songs sind häufig skizzenhaft gehalten und vermitteln eine private Atmosphäre. McCartney bietet einen ungeschönten Einblick in McCartneys musikalische Arbeitsweise zu Beginn seiner Solokarriere. Die Produktion ist reduziert, das Songwriting wirkt persönlich und unmittelbar.
No strong feelings here.
So many good songs and the standouts are obvious; Junk, Every Night and Maybe I'm Amazed. Lots of nice little instrumental tracks. Lots of great melodies, lots of great stuff. I perhaps wouldn't have it on the level of Band on the Run, but still great A real pleasure to listen to this one. It's on the cusp of a 5, but a high 4 of the highest order for sure
j’aime pas les beatles 2.5 arrondi à la hausse parce que lui donner 2☆ doesn’t sound right
Actually a perfectly formatted album and the songs are good so what more can I really ask for
I’m an unabashed Beatles and McCartney fan, but I really prefer his work as a Beatle over his solo and Wings efforts. I purchased a used copy of this record for $7, less than ten years ago out of curiosity, and there were many copies available in the store for sale that day. When I got home and played the record, I found out why…I thought it just wasn’t very good. So when it popped up last night, I was all set to give it two stars based on my memory but after listening to it again for the first time in a long time, my judgment isn’t as harsh. Yes, there are songs here that sound like demo tape garbage, and the production is overly simple and sometimes sounds amateurish, but it is pretty remarkable that McCartney played all of the instruments, and a few of the songs are keepers. The way I feel today, it is a three star album, and I certainly understand why it is on this list.
Its fine... every adult in my life has been pretentious about the Beatles (and the surrounding acts) so maybe I was expecting more.
Sir Paul McCartney's first solo album recorded during a very difficult & depressing time in McCartney's life - as The Beatles were breaking up - a time that found him isolated in his farm in Scotland with wife Linda, lots of booze, profound depression and a bunch of instruments. McCartney is a lo-fi masterpiece in which Sir Paul plays all the instruments. The uncertainty of it all is palpable in these songs, a baker's dozen but so too is the sheer joy of being as free as he would ever be musically. No deadlines (album was recorded in secrecy) no bandmates, no expectations at all not even from himself and as such it sounds like nothing he had recorded before or would ever record again. Probably the first indie rock album, definitively essential listening.
I love the Beatles, they’re quite possibly my favourite band. I enjoy Paul McCartney but I think (like most people) I prefer his contributions with the Fab Four rather than solo. I like some of his songs (and this album has my favourite in Junk) but his solo career doesn’t always do a lot for me. Having said all that, I do like this album. It’s simple and almost stripped back in parts, it’s Paul and no one else. This idea I think works in parts but sometimes it doesn’t, sometimes Paul could’ve benefited from outside help. Overall a solid album from one of the all time greats.
Ehhh! I don’t think I can give this a 4 let alone a 5. Feels like one of the first albums did by himself and I can just hear the experimentation and lack of common theme! Not my favorite but not displeasing
Not the best of McCartney, not sure that being just post-Beatles justifies how short and non-technical the songs are. Considering his impact as a member of The Beatles, I frankly expected quite a bit more adventure on these tracks, something more like Peter Gabriel post-Genesis. Instead it comes out as someone figuring they don't need to bother, it'll be successful no matter what - and it was.
4 out of 5. I love the minimalist production on this one.
This is a pleasant album with some pleasant songs here and there. Unfortunately the majority of tracks on here sound like they're unrealized sketches or Paul just noodling about. Its saving grace is that "Maybe I'm Amazed" is on this album. He doesn't get a pass just because he's Paul McCartney. Sometimes great artists release mid albums and that's okay. He's obviously released a lot of bangers over the decades. But, this just isn't one of them.
Det är ju inte Beatles direkt.
I enjoyed this, although not much stood out to me in particular. I feel like this is the equivalent of Paul McCartney Unplugged. Little less polished than a lot of the stuff he made with the Beatles, but that's not a bad thing.
People have credited this as the start of lo-fi. But, you know, the songs still have to be GOOD. They feel so demo-y, there’s nothing backing it up. “Maybe I’m Amazed,” of course, still rocks. I have heard “Junk” before. The rest just sounds too much like song ideas that need to be fleshed out a LOT more. NEXT.
If it wasn't Paul McCartney, would I give it a 3? I don't know. Obviously the album has historical significance in that it marked the end of the Beatles and it was McCartney's first solo album. But it's average at best. Maybe a nod for Paul doing it all himself and layering and overdubbing. Still, this is not his greatest work. Except for Maybe I'm Amazed. That song is incredible and I've thought so from the first time I ever heard it. But the rest of the album? Went as quickly as it came.
Paul McCartney releases an album full of half-baked demos and one excellent song (Maybe I'm Amazed). This must be in the book mainly for its "historic" significance since it's Paul McCartney's first solo album, but from a standpoint of quality, it's not there. In particular, the drums sound very amateur, both playing-wise and recording quality. What's a little sad is that, for all the comments about how this was one of the first lo-fi/indie sounding albums, had anyone other than Paul McCartney tried to get a record label to release this album they'd be sent packing. Favorite tracks: Every Night (one of the few songs on the album that sounds like a song with potential, but still sounds like a demo), Singalong Junk (ironically, this instrumental version of "Junk" sounds nicer than the full song on Side 1), Maybe I'm Amazed (a classic that seems completely out of place on this album, although I admit I admit I never realized it has some of the lo-fi elements of the other tracks).
Eh. Kinda half baked. Maybe I’m Amazed is great but otherwise forgettable.
relaxing
This one gets better with each listen, McCartney has always been my favorite of the Beatles. The album puts me in such a good mood. I honestly don't know how Paul didn't go crazy in this period of his life, probably thanks to the lovely Linda. I love John and George's solo stuff, but I still think they are some of the most self-righteous yet hypocritical people to ever live. They love to preach about enlightenment while treating those around them like shit. Paul had to deal with all of their BS, with all the music critics falling for John and George's pseudo-intellectual crap. Yet like always, Paul just wants to put his head down and focus on the music. I think Paul embodies the qualities John and George loved more than they themselves. Now obviously it's all water under the bridge between them over the years but still necessary context to understand Paul's headspace for this one. I get some of the criticism that some of the ideas were underbaked, but even those criticisms feel like just a front when he fully develops ideas in RAM and everyone pans it even harder. Both are incredible albums, this isn't as good as RAM but the underbakedness of it is absolutely part of the charm. Paul gets five stars for primarily making a fantastic influential album, but also for having to go through all the above bullshit at the same time. Rating: 4.8
Just didn’t do it for me.
it was ight. nothing too crazy good but it wasnt a struggle to listen to
This was fine. I'm not a huge fan of his vocal work, but I respect the instrumental work here. 'Momma Miss America' was my fave.
McCartney can suck my dick
Paul Is my favourite Beatle, grew up listening to lots of his albums so, although I’d never heard this one. The “famous” song is “maybe I’m amazed” and it’s not the only good song on the album. This is a solid effort and I stand by the idea that he is the Beatle with the most consistent catalogue post the Beatles. It has great song variety but without the “silly” songs that most Beatles albums are prone to. Will definitely be going back to this one.
Есть знакомые интересные нотки, но в целом не интересно
Doesn’t exactly blow you out of the water but it’s pleasant.
This plays like a notebook of songs. But they’re DaVinci’s notebook. Maybe the flying machine will never work, but it’s fun to look at.
I've never understood the Macca hype. This is a good album, it's got some interesting bluesy parts scattered about it and maybe 50 years ago thisreally was amazing - but it's mostly forgettable, no single tracks stand out and I'm not drawn to listen to it again. It's simply not for me, but it was short so I'll chuck it an extra star.
Paul McCartney saying "Believe me, mama" made my skin crawl.
First McCartney solo album that I've listened to fully. Really good at times but never quite packs a punch. (Maybe I'm a Man attempts, but no beuno.) Holy hell is Junk amazing though. It was the only song from this album that I had heard before (and not ong ago at that) but had forgotten about it.
Proof that one great song does not an album make. 3 stars or C-.
Enjoyed. Liked the lofi and tone and pace. Also the bits that sound like jesus christ superstar. Did not know PM had done an album around the Beatles breakup so this was all new to me.
This is a historically significant album that deserves to be on this list for a number of reasons. For one, it's the debut album for the Hall of Fame solo career of the legendary Paul McCartney. Second, it's the first post-Beatles breakup album to come out which is historically significant for marking a change in the music landscape and a transition into the 70s, as well as all the controversy and divisive feelings surrounding the breakup. Thirdly, it's a pretty good album. Obviously a little unpolished perhaps, but seeing that's a landmark album for DIY and lo-fi, it stands to be a noteworthy album for the list even without the name McCartney attached to it. Songs like Maybe I'm Amazed testify to the albums lasting impact.
First solo album of his I’ve listened to. Weird and experimental but I really liked it. Definitely not just a bunch of silly love songs.
Congrats on taking "solo album" as seriously as possible. Maybe finish a couple songs before releasing this half-baked Beatles out-take collection.
Really dull. Where’s the oomph. Needs wings.
This seemed exactly what it was, a guy just jamming in his house having fun. Really picked up towards the end.
NICE
The worst Beatle by far.
This was better than any other Beatles or beatles adjacent albums I've heard so far.
Beatles stuff is better and that’s about all I have to say
Paul 4 lyf
What a lovely record by the GOAT.
Appreciate the one-man-band 4-track, low-fi vibe, but not many memorable songs here really. Awesome 70s hard panning though. Favourite track: Junk.
Forgettable.
who tf is paul mccartney bro 😭😂✌🏾 theres like two good songs on here idk
This was extremely cozy and charming to listen to, with the occasional wow moment
Paul did some good work on this one. Not earth shattering or meeting the highest highs of beatles, but its clear his songwriting chops have never been a fluke
I can imagine for die hard fans these "sketches" of songs are interesting as a suggestion of what Paul McCartney would do as a solo artist, but for me this felt a little bit too inconsequential. A couple of decent melodies, but nothing here feels like it stands up as being amongst his best work.
I know it's McCartney goofing around but I enjoyed.
Aaaah, mon ptit bout’chou de Beatles préféré nous a pondu un sacré bon album en lendemain de veille de la separation du band. C’est dommage que R.A.M. ne soit pas inclu dans la liste, que je trouve plus fort sur plusieurs points, mais je ne suis pas surpris, ça a pris du temps avant que le monde se réveille pour apprécier le génie de McCartney
naja, wenn's kein Beatles gewesen wäre, wäre das einfach an mir vorbeigegangen
"McCartney" is the debut solo album by English rock musician and singer-songwriter Paul McCartney. It was recorded after a period of depression and confusion following John Lennon's private departure from the Beatles and in secrecy, using basic home recording equipment. McCartney performed the entire album alone except for some backing vocals from his wife, Linda, and overdubbed and recorded using a four-track tape recorder. Initially, the album has negative reviews for its underproduced and lo-fi quality. Commercially. It reached #1 in the US and #2 in the UK. "The Lovely Linda" opens the album. Short and sparse with acoustic guitar, bass and percussion. Dedicated to his first wife (and not the last song for that). It took until the fourth song "Every Night" to get a melody. Acoustic guitar carrying the melody in a song about having optimism despite the Beatles' imminent breakup. McCartney wrote "Junk" while he was in India. He is describing junk in his garage and life in general. "Teddy Bear" has, at this point, the standard instruments used: acoustic guitar, bass and drums. Linda on backing vocals. A song that describes the way in which a close relationship between a widow and son is destroyed by her new romantic interest. And out of nowhere, so to say, comes "Maybe I'm Amazed." A piano ballad dedicated to his wife. Emotional vocals. Two classic guitar solos. Interesting guitar slashes. One of Paul's best solo and overall songs for sure. I guess I'll state the obvious: this album is charming. Loose, random, sparse, Paul noodling around, no real structure and five instrumental songs. There are three good to great songs ("Every Night," "Teddy Bear," and "Maybe I'm Amazed") which make this album worth it for at least one listen.
Previously rated: Band on the Run (4/5) ************************** I'm a big Beatles fan, but I've never heard this album. I wasn't impressed. It sounded like a bunch of unfinished demos and instrumentals. Maybe I'm Amazed is a good song. Just average, and probably doesn't belong on the list.
A minor blind spot for me in the extended Beatles library, maybe because it feels like such a minor release as well? It's very interesting to contrast this with All Things Must Pass, a monument of creative output. McCartney (I) is skeletal. Half the songs are just sketches. The songs that are fleshed out - holy cow. Junk is the one, for me, a song so good it would be an upper echelon track in the Beatles library if it hadn't been left on the cutting-room floor for the White Album. And then, Maybe I'm Amazed, which Hey Jude wishes it could be. Consider, as well, that Another Day fit in this era as a non-album single. That all notwithstanding, this mostly feels like a warm-up lap for Ram.
Homemade Macca album. Expected to be amazed.
Kreen-Akrore could've been brilliant if he didn't breathe all over it.
If you have trouble sleeping put this on and you'll nod off in no time. More soporific crap from the most overrated person in the music business. Track 6 says it all "Junk"
Paul’s first solo album and it’s truly a solo effort. Every Night and Junk stand out as some of the better, lesser known tracks, but Maybe I’m Amazed is an all time great love song.
I’ve listened to other McCartney solo work and as a result wasn’t too excited to hear this. The stripped down nature of this one made it stand out for me. I enjoyed.
Loved the sound of that Rickenbacker bass on this one throughout the album. I especially liked Every Night, which I don't think I've ever heard before.
Nice, but most the songwriting is nothing compared to his previous work.
When I looked at the song list I wondered why I've only heard of one of these songs. After listening I can see why. This just seems like a bunch of throwaway songs except for a couple. "Maybe I'm Amazed" is of course incredible, but that and maybe "Every Night" are the only standouts.
Not up there with his best work but i did enjoy it. Best tracks Junk and Hot as Sun
I have such a soft spot for this album, but (maybe) I’m amazed that it made the cut above Ram. I think Ram takes the same charmingly lo-fi, playful approach but applies it to a more consistent set of songs. Still the best songs here (Junk, Every Night, Maybe I’m Amazed) are gorgeous.
Pretty low key album. I only recognized one of the songs - Baby I’m Amazed. Very stripped down mellow album.
Good not the best
I didnt know this was a mostly acoustic album! a perfect sequel to ram. he’s such a dyke!
Better than I thought it was going to be, but still unexciting. A top end 3.
It's really stripped down and feels interconnected. This album definitely has a place on McCartney's artistic spectrum.
Baby I'm Amazed puts a floor on how low you could rate this. I've never heard the album and was surprised how early it is. Him doing it all himself is so interesting especially where their careers all were at that time. Not a masterpiece but a worthwhile listen for sure and you can see ways he wanted to grow from this one.
I don't tend to like songs with a name being repeated in the chorus. Nice guitar, strange vocal choices. Paul really likes to get away with partially written songs. Obviously drawing a lot of inspiration from the Southern United States. Feels like a handful of rushed or partially completed songs, but the bones are decent.
Good album , not great. Baby I’m Amazed is a solid hit.
I like this stripped down version of McCartney. I will reiterate it is a shame Ram isn't on this list, but I do enjoy this album.
Ok
Solo McCartney is just not my thing.
Maybe I’m amazed, or perhaps not quite that much.
McCartney
I have a very deep personal bond with this particular album thus I am going to give it a 5/5. Musically, this album is exactly what Paul McCartney is good at I think he did a good job in producing this. The album is smooth yet a bit ordinary though (especially comparing to his Beatles live and Geoge and John's solo). However, even considered "pale" in the frame of McCartney music, this album is still enjoyful and skillful enough to stand out for it's own. I do think the album itself can sometimes be overated becuse of the big name. Anyways, "Maybe I'm Amazed" is an excellent song. My favorit track is "Junk", yet another beautiful ballad by Paul, very melancholic and nostalgic.
A pleasant collection of half developed ideas. It quite neatly demonstrates why Paul is my favourite Beatle and why he really needs other people to bounce ideas off.
Not a huge fan of this. There’sa couple decent songs, but nothing that really draws me back. 2/5
It's alright. Kind of forgettable. I think I am coming to the conclusion that John Lennon is the best Beatle
3.5 Ok McCartney is my guy, my favorite Beatle, the best songwriter maybe of all time, but this is mostly him getting stuff out of his system after the breakup of his band. A lot of these songs feel more like ideas than fleshed out productions. He’s working through some stuff! The highlight is of course “Maybe I’m Amazed” which is such a powerhouse of a song, coming right at the end of the album.
Eh, for being the Beatle that people say was the best writer, the music here isn't giving me anything to latch onto or care for, either the songs are too short folk blues songs or they are blues songs that are more grating than any in its genre should. I guess overall it's okay but it feels so directionless the only songs that were good were the little weird instrumentals (Momma Miss America and Kreen - Akrore), the rest I can do without.
6/10 Paul writes a good tune and doesn't know when to end songs. His lyrics are bare and catchy. I lovehate Paul. That comes out to a 3 in my book 3-5-2025
It really felt like a Paul McCartney experiment. Some white album stuff mixed with one classic track. Not as good as his stuff with wings, but still enjoyable.
McCartney is my second favorite Beatle, just behind George, but "Maybe I'm Amazed" is one of my favorite songs of all time. It is interesting to hear it in the full context of this record. It is a fascinating exploration, a mix of light sketches and poignant ballads.
Smh at Paul McCartney being too busy with spearheading the lo-fi movement into the mainstream to record more Beatles stuff.
Who could've known that the sound of The Beatles breaking up would be this lo-fi?
This sounds more like a demo than a finished album, filled with song ideas rather than finished pieces. Maybe I'm Amazed is a classic (finished!) and great song. Liked Songs Added: Maybe I'm Amazed
To są bardziej jakieś impresje niż piosenki. Mam poczucie, jakbym przeglądała czyjś pamiętnik. Ma to swój urok, jest prawdziwe i odarte ze zbędnych ozdobników, ale też mocno niedopracowane. Być może moją ocenę zaniżą bezgraniczną miłość do Paula oraz do tego jak bardzo kochał on swoją żonę. 7/10
<3
Much respect for Paul's impact on music, culture and humanity. But I've never been all-in on his music. A few songs stand out, but mostly out of familiarity.
McCartney and only McCartney (with a little Linda), recorded at home, and plays like it's being recorded in your living room. Contains "Maybe I'm Amazed" and thats still a great song.
Muito bom e relaxante de ouvir
Beat, 1970 -> 2
Full of classic Paul McCartney sounds. An album that grows on one as it progresses
Want to learn all the bass lines!
The man just does not get me going
Maybe I'm Amazed is a belter. I prefer McCartney II; there's your proper 'indie' weirdness.
Lyrics quite random at times but then he has this ability to compose the most simple but beautiful melodies that scratch part of your brain like nothing else.
Not his best effort. One example of good song writing and a bunch of filler.
Shocking, and not for the right reasons. I'm beginning to rethink my assessment that Ringo Star being is lowlight of post-Beatles success...
McCartney alone just can’t compare to the Beatles as a unit. The band helps to balance things. On this album it's just too much Paul. You get the occasional gems, like “Maybe I’m Amazed,” but it’s mostly fine to forgettable. I did learn that this album was one of the originators of lo-fi rock music, but I’ve gotta say I wish McCartney hadn’t taught artists to record intentionally poor sounding music in their bedrooms.
I love listening to Paul McCartney sing. Felt like half this album was instrumental, which I could have done without.
I like the lo fi sound of McCartney recording on his own in his home. And Maybe I’m Amazed is my reaction to the song. Unfortunately for the most part, this album feels like a collection of incomplete ideas.
Maybe I’m Amazed is pretty good The rest is ok but not a lot more
Most of these songs are amazing. Just a few make it feel a little off.
OK, I will admit, I am really biased about this album. I grew up with it and paul mccartney may be my favorite musician of all time. it's not the best solo beatles album. it's not even the best solo paul album. but it does a really great job of capturing the whimsy side of paul that none of his other albums really capture. this album is really uneven. a lot of instrumentals. a lot of goofy, unserious stuff. but what i love about this album is the diy nature of the album, but also just how great of a melody songwriter paul is. the example i always point to is 'every night,' which has a killer hook of a chorus that doesn't have any lyrics. it's just a hum. and it's catchy as hell. of course, you have the certifiably stone cold classic 'maybe i'm amazed' on here, which, is the no-brainer best song here. but i do genuinely adore this album front to back (probably more than i should).
I love McCartney. I know the album takes a lot of criticism for sounding kind of homemade and low-key compared to Paul's work in The Beatles. But when digested apart from the work of the fab four, the smaller scope of McCartney is actually very charming, and downright contagious. The songs are great. They continue in the vein of later Paul McCartney compositions from the White Album through the end of the Beatles. And as such, the album is a great companion to Let it Be, which would be released less than a month later. Songs like That Would Be Something, Every Night, Man We Was Lonely are book-ended by interstitial bits and song fragments that keep the album's laid-back momentum softly rolling. It all builds up to the album's lasting masterpiece, Maybe I'm Amazed, which is possibly Paul McCartney's best and most enduring recording as a solo artist. It's a summation of everything I love about McCartney. It's a (silly) love song. Paul gets to be tender. Paul gets to shout (he's maybe the most underrated shouter in rock). And Paul gets to rip on guitar. It's dynamic. And it's beautiful. The entire album is a short 35 minutes, which is great. It may not be all-killer, no-filler; but it doesn't overstay its welcome either. It's casual enough to sound like a side-project. But it's earnest enough to warrant serious repeat listening. The whole stretch of 1968-1971 is just a fantastic period for Paul McCartney's songwriting and recording. And his first solo album is definitely a jewel in that crown.
Just some classy and Chad pop rock by DADDY.
His first solo album was a reaction to everything the Beatles were doing before, a massive swing of the pendulum in the opposite direction. It's a fun, low stakes affair with little polish but plenty of charm.
3.4/5
This is Paul’s best solo work. But Paul really needed John’s darker side. Without that cynicism, Paul’s work was consistently… fine. Nothing groundbreaking, nothing super interesting… just lovely melodies and boring lyrics.
Decent, but not anything crazy
Really, really bland. Don't understand all the glowing reviews. Felt like half the songs are just poppy noodling. Basically, it's McCartney giving prog a go because it's trendy, which is kind of a theme with McCartney's worst solo output. He's better when he isn't chasing trends. However, when Paul remembers to actually write a song, it's not bad, hence the 3 stars.
A very nice album. Says a lot about Paul McCartney’s talent. Here he is transitioning from the Beatles, not in the best state of mind, and he pulls together this credible piece of work. While not highly acclaimed it nonetheless overshadows many of the works on the 1001 list.
Little too sleepy Paul , still good
Sounds nice but a little boring. Great length. Also he has a deeper voice than I was expecting.
everyone go listen to the Paul McCartney song fuh you. its actually so bad 😭
7/10 - It was quite nice to listen to. Pretty good overall. It sounded like the beatles, unsurprisingly. I liked every night the most it was relaxing.
Least favorite Beatle
Thank you for leading my ears to this album!
Short and sweet without fillers. Great pop songwriting! I’m not a huge fan of how bluesy it was, and the half-finished feel of some of the songs (almost felt like Paul was still working out his sound). But Maybe I’m Amazed is on here, which is one of my favorites! 3.75⭐️
I get the whole McCartney trilogy thing about experimental music from Paul's creative mind. But... I don't know! This album always gave me the impression that it was poorly made, or made in a haphazard and careless way. I even heard someone say that this album would be the first LO-FI album in history. I think that's an exaggeration. But I get the point. Anyway, this is the album that introduced the world to the anthology "Maybe I'm Amazed", so it gets credit for that. I'm giving it 3 stars today.
I got into this album a few years ago, and I swear it was because of this list. But apparently not, instead its number 740 for me. This is a phenomenal record, not from a technical standpoint (lol), but from its intimate nature. It sounds like hanging out with Paul McCartnery while he works out some ideas, playing around with his home recording equipment. WHile there are some really loose tidbits, there are some excellent songs here, like "Everynight" and "Maybe I'm Amazed". Overall it's a vibe and feeling of comfort.
in love
Una de las cosas que más me están gustando de este challenge es que le estoy prestando atención a los discos en solitario de los Beatles. Hoy me ha tocado el primero de todos ellos, lanzado incluso antes del "Let It Be". Un álbum romántico, íntimo, grabado por McCartney en un estilo lo-fi en su propia habitación (algunos dicen que inventó el indie rock, pero es bastante debatible). Esperaba un álbum aburrido y difícil de valorar, pero me ha gustado mucho. Es de muy fácil escucha y su producción simple encaja muy bien con la cercanía que transmite. Curiosamente, el tema más conocido, "Maybe I'm Amazed", ha sido de los que menos me ha gustado. Pero la primera mitad del álbum es estupenda. Me quedo con "Junk", una oda a las baratijas de mercadillo. Lo volveré a escuchar seguro.
Relaxing
Terrific music. I had been putting off mccartney’s solo albums bust it comes at a great time now. It’s like hearing a new Beatles album but more rustic and more personal.
Fairly forgettable
It didn’t blow me away, but it’s not bad music. So far I prefer The Beatles.
Top, mal bl country vibe k beatli
nah
This album didn’t contain a lot of what I like about Paul. It felt like a lot of random strumming and spoken word. Not a fan.
This one is a bit of a mish-mash of different styles. I guess Paul was just working out what he wanted to do without the rest of the band. Overall very inconsistent. It includes the masterpiece “Maybe I’m Amazed”, then some short little ditties, a bluesy instrumental number, etc. Feels more like an insight into him just trying things out at home than an actual album.
This is #day171 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... this turned out to be better than I expected, though still not something I'd put on again soon. A fine Sunday afternoon listen. It was interesting to learn that Paul McCartney did lo-fi, especially considering it was 1970. One particular highlight for me was "Momma Miss America"—maybe one or two others. I'm giving this album a 3 out of 5. Looking forward to #day172.
I feel like a lot of the themes on this list are transitional albums and I guess that makes sense. Here is a moment in time when all roads led to the Beatles breakup. As far as this album. It's ok, nothing special. Fave: Maybe I'm Amazed is ok I guess.
Hmmm, if you take the name of this project literally, there's surely no good reason why you'd need to listen to this before you die. If you interpret the project as "A Crash Course in the Boomer Canon", though, I guess its inclusion makes sense! 🙄 This was an ok listen - not dreadful, but not great either. Fave tracks - uh, "Every Night" had me look up the track name, I think? And "Kreen-Akore" had monkey noises!
Low fidelity debut album from Paul McCartney that was recorded at house in secrecy, all instruments were performed by Paul (except when the contributions were by Linda) and overdubbed on four-track tape. Short songs, minimal blues fragments, "Every Night" is the first song that feels fully formed, his vocalizations flirt with the melody of "You Never Give Me Your Money." Less experimental and electronic than his subsequent solo album but "Hot As Sun/Glasses" sort of is a preview of coming attractions. "Junk" a song about the economic impact on small businesses or nostalgia? "Man We Was Lonely" has a sort of "Our House" jauntiness, a duet of domestic bliss with vocals from Linda and then an affected Southern twang accent from an icon of British rock..."Oo you" has great cowbell and blues guitar swagger, a song about someone who walks, talks, looks like a woman. "Momma Miss America" is such a contrast to John Lennon's "Mother" from Plastic Ono Band, an instrumental comprised of two parts, funky bass, piano, searing guitar and rather rough percussion. "Teddy Boy," strummed guitar pop song about a child who becomes jealous of his mother's lover and escapes into his head. It seems like this album aspires to Syd Barrett solo albums of pop whimsy. But, with a lot of less than essential instrumental tracks it doesn't really seem like a cohesive album. Though it is intriguing to see what Paul McCartney sought to create from the comfort of his home. "Maybe I'm Amazed" is the sonic sequel to "Hey Jude" and the only single from this album that sounds like a Beatles outtake or future Wings material, but it has never been a favorite of mine. "Kreen-Akrore" is percussion heavy with monkey howls and then Beach Boys vocalization and then breathing, perhaps it was an homage to the experimental music being produced by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, but it just feels endless and uninspired.
I'm a Beatles fanatic. I have always loved the Beatles since I can remember. And this man, is one of the main reasons why. I can hear this album being an extension of the White Album, along with Harrison's first solo. Certainly one of the greatest albums. 4.5/5
This is a pretty nice album. Little bit more raw than the Beatles albums which is nice. I think he's done as good of a job as one could, distancing himself from the group when creating a solo album.
Super raw and low-key. Gentle but uneven. Feels like someone just messing around at home and catching some cool moments, like it was made just for fun, not for a big audience. It’s not about being perfect, just doing the thing.
Not bad
I can’t get past McCartney as a Beatle, but this album for sure made me appreciate him more. It’s a good album to play while chillin at home. A little upbeat, good acoustics, and doesn’t feel “old”. Will add it to my playlists! Listen again: yes Purchase for my collection: yes Favourite Song: Oo You
Should've just released "Maybe I'm Amazed" and left it at that
Classic
4.5/5. Macca really loves his wife.
I never really gave this a fair chance before, but I really like it now. Very raw, very emotional, very McCartney.
Its fine
At several moments on this album, I thought, “Man, this is why McCartney’s one of the greatest songwriters of all time.” At an equal number of moments, I thought, “What the fuck is this goofy shit?” So much of this album sounded like first-take fuck-around practice takes.
Definitely sounded like potential Beatles song. Very intimate though, which was pretty cool.
paul's debut solo album after departing from working with the beatles. words simply can't describe just how musically gifted paul is, and immediately from the first few minutes, you'll have a great time listening. i don't know, every single track is so... creative. nobody could ever dare to write music as emotionally rich and complex as paul's, and i hold this album in a very, VERY high regard.
2 Stars (5/15)
I want to praise it because it’s it’s fucking Paul McCartney but it’s not too amazing. Instead of maybe I’m amazed that feels undeniably like a classic . But yeah I think it’s nice he released an album like this, something distant from the ways of the Beatles. Would say 3/5 for enjoyment though sorry paul
Beatle esque Good lyrics
Most of the songs weren't outstanding but Maybe I'm Amazed was the gem on this album.
Cool.
The remarkable thing about the Beatles was each of them could and did have the ability to have a solo career in their own right. Of the four, McCartney is the most prolific. As described on the notes, this was all 'him' and done 'raw' (without the sophisticated arrangements the Beatles had available).
I was surprised at how loose and messy this album was and I loved that. Like he finally had a chance to just try out some musical ideas rather than write Beatles songs. I will listen again .
Album was alright. Definitely weaker than some of his other solo work. “Maybe I’m Amazed” is a good song. 3/5 Might listen again
Okay
By Beatles standards? Not very remarkable. By anyone else's standards, pretty decent, but a few duds
This album gave us "Maybe I'm Amazed" which is a great McCartney track. The rest is just fine/feels like a lot of b-sides and unfinished ideas. Ram is better in everyway.
good one. It has junk and Maybe I'm amazed!
Good not great
Album 635 of 1001 Paul McCartney - McCartney (1970) Rating : 5 / 5 I was leaning towards giving this a lower rating but by the time it was over I realized that it is a pretty fine album. Less polished songs than the Beatles' work. I wasn't aware that he had released this before the Beatles broke up. Gives me more to think about if any blame is to be attributed.
4.25
I can see why the critics were divided on this one. It is very uneven and lo-fi, but I guess that is the point. Definitely influential on later lo-fi artists, but I can't help but wonder if this would be as lauded if it was anyone other than McCartney. Some really solid songs on here, but a lot of them sound unfinished. I let the album play until I was a few tracks into the demo/outtakes disc of the deluxe version and barely noticed.
This is definitely not what I'd expect for the first Paul McCartney album. Very much incomplete, sketchy, jammy and whimsical, kinda like a compilation of all the stuff that had been sitting around in his notebook since the Beatles era but was never released. Still, there are some nice tracks on there, like Man We Was Lonely and Maybe I'm Amaze, and overall the album's not that hard of a listen. 2.75/5 rounded up
Not my fave
Paul gets a lot of shit, but he’s been the most prolific and most daring. Just doing whatever he feels like since 1970. I respect that he never seemed to follow the pop psychedelic trends and just did his own thing. There’s some really good stuff on this album. The songs about love, romance and Linda are the best. 4/5
One of the most "one-man-band" solo albums, by an artist capable of so much better. The lack of anyone else helping to polish the songs may explain why some sound unfinished, as will his rush to get things recorded and released. I never knew this came out before the end of his previous band, and was arguably partly responsible for bringing about the end for them. It is solid, but not 'worth breaking up The Beatles' good.
I had a revelation about the Beatles when I read the top rated review for this record here. Well, not a revelation, exactly. I’ve had this thought before, but I was reminded of it again today: Beatles fans have made it so I can’t stand the Beatles in almost any capacity. This is what some of you sound like: “I love the Beatles. Everything they did was important, they’re beyond reproach. In fact, on this record, Paul McCartney invented indie rock” I’m so tired of the bloviating about this band and their members that I have begun to dislike almost everything about them. Congratulations, Beatles fans: You did it! Here’s a good piece of advice we can all live by: NO GOLDEN CALVES No one is beyond criticism, people are fallible. ..including the Beatles.
I know a ton of his solo work and with Wings. Never listened to his first album in its entirety. Really short songs, like sketches or rough drafts, this stuff was falling out of his brain in a creative high. The sign above says "Beware, Musical Genius At Work". It feels like some of the White Album with its randomness and seemingly incomplete songs. 13 songs and I knew one. Nothing really stands out as must-hear stuff outside of "Maybe I'm Amazed". I may have heard "Every Night" once or twice, same with "Junk" but neither are true standouts in his catalog. I wasn't impressed and I definitely don't think this was must-hear music nor does it deserve a spot on the Top 1001. It's incomplete, it's haphazard, it's brief and it doesn't offer the listener anything to really dig into. It sounds like Beatles songs that should have stayed on the cutting room floor (and I'm a fan).
This is ok. Some nice low-fi ditties/jams that probably wouldn't receive much attention (good or bad) if a lesser name released them. ‘Ram’ on the other hand, now THAT's an album you should hear before you die. 2.5
The whole lo-fi chill vibe is awesome. Paul is the only Beatle I've seen live. McCartney is a musical genius. This is my 500th album on this list. Perfect.
My least favourite Beatle and this does not really change my view. I quite like the demo/bagginess and that many tracks sound like discarded Beatles out takes.
Singalong Junk is a pleasant song. Maybe I'm Amazed is a good song too; this is a popular one I recognize and didn't know was McCartney. Pretty decent album, very Beatles-like and I was expected to be less than neutral about it.
Songs i knew: 2 Songs i liked: 2 Remember some of these tracks from Beatles Anthologys before they were well formed so great to hear them remastered. Sounds decent considering he recorded this in his house. Low 3.
Gonna do a track by track for this one, as finding something new and interesting to write about albums day after day is *hard* The Lovely Linda: Bit simpy. She’s never gonna shag you mate. Nice enough tune though. That Would Be Something: Decent little blues ditty. Like the intimate production on this album, quite different to The Beatles/George Martin sound you associate with McCartney. Even at only 2 minutes and change, this drags on a bit though. Valentine Day: Noodley instrumental track. It’s not bad, but so far this album feels like a load of b sides and offcuts. Fades out just as it seems like it’s getting going. Like my shagging. Every Night: This feels like the most Beatles-y track so far. Never a bad thing. Like the melody and there are some interesting chord changes in this. Hot as Sun/Glasses: Paul clearly wrote this on a beach holiday. Probably sat on the balcony with a can and a rollie while the missus gets ready. Another instrumental, that I think would be well serviced by having lyrics and a vocal melody. Bit of a shame. Goes a bit dissonant at the end, like he’s killed his missus after she took too long getting ready or something. We’ve all been there Paul. Junk: Lovely this. Great melody and vocals. Bit of Xylophone and contrasting background vocals at the end add a nice touch. Loved this. Could easily slot into any Beatles album and not feel out of place. Man We Was Lonely: Again, very Beatles-y. Could be off the White album. Actually sounds like John Lennon harmonising on this. Some very unnecessary electric slide guitar towards the end. Gets a bit repetitive but not a bad tune. Oo You: Proper bit of blues. Decent riffage, sounds a bit like the White Stripes. Good stuff. Momma Miss America: Another instrumental. It’s alright but a few too many of these on this album. Like that the piano sounds a bit moody and the bass line’s are cool. Like it. Teddy Boy: Bit meh, but it’s short. It’s not terrible, just a bit slight. Ted sounds like a melt. Sez. Singalong Junk: Beautiful. One of the few songs off this I recognise (though I’ve no idea where from). Yet another instrumental though. They’re all pretty good, but seems a a bit of a waste when you’re one of the greatest vocal melodicists (not sure that’s a word) of all time. Maybe I’m Amazed: Tune. Classic McCartney, and one of the few tracks where he really lets rip on this album. Like that they just go a bit wild with the electric guitar. Kreen-Akrore: Big chords, then mad monkey sounds. He was definitely breaking the grass ceiling when making this one. Starts going a bit Rat Salad with the drum solo, but in a much more boring way. Then the contrasting vocal melodies with the electric guitar sound great. This song changes every 30 seconds, but in a completely disjointed way. Now he’s breathing down my ear. Kind of this album in a microcosm, just a load of stuff thrown at the wall to see what would stick. Now a classic guitar Beatles guitar solo to finish. Overall, I enjoyed this but it’s very disjointed and felt like a b-side compilation. Like he’s just using up all the half baked ideas he had left over from The Beatles.
This is not a good album. It's a demo masquerading as a proper album. You are better than this Paul. You are Paul Fucking McCartney. It would have been fine as an unearthed set of demos but this was your first album which partly led to the split of your band, The Beatles. All that for this? Come on mate. Highlights: Every Night Maybe I'm Amazed - The best on the album and the only one that sounds like it got past the 1st draft stage. Lowlights: Hot As Sun / Glasses - Just a dull instrumental that does nowt Junk - Twee granny music as John would have called it Oo You - Like a parody of a bad Macca song. Drums sound like a Fisher-Price kit Singalong Junk - You can't have Singalong in the song title and then include no lyrics, Paul. There are rules. Kreen-Akrore - Tekkin piss now mate This is not a good album. Really frustrating too as there is some good little snippets of opportunity in here but he doesn't bother to follow them up and turn them into decent songs. I bet John, George and Ringo were ripping Macca when they first heard this. A WhatsApp group with the 3 of them would have been fire.
It's not ram, it's not as good as any of the Beatles album. It's not even the best solo Beatles album (All Things Must Pass). But it is still pretty good. Mid 3.
Would be better with Ringo.
There are so many better McCartney solo albums than this.
A couple of songs that are vaguely Beatlesque. A couple of instrumentals. Mostly boring songs and then you have Maybe I'm Amazed which is really great (and the only reason this doesn't get 1 star). Not enough to want to own or care to listen to again.
This album felt like some compilation of outtakes and rarities enjoyed only by people who already love the artist, to the point that i was relieved when "Baby I'm Amazed" crashed in out of nowhere, making me more confident that I had not put on the wrong album by accident. 1.5 stars
I liked a couple more songs than I expected to but I really did not like the other ones. This man’s career is unfathomable.
It's a little impressive that "The Lovely Linda" and "Maybe I'm Amazed" co-exist on the same album. I liked this overall, and I was intrigued to read that the original response included a lot of rage about it being "unfinished" - first of all, not like I'm going to notice, and second of all, not like I don't already listen to a bunch of crappy DIY music that's sometimes crappy sounding *on purpose*
It’s just okay. Nothing memorable. Listened twice and forgot it was on half way through both times.
Kevyttä rokkia. Hyviä kappaleita. Parempaa kuin Beatles. Kreen-Akrore mielenkiintoinen lopetus. Parhaat: Momma Miss America, Junk, Teddy Boy, Oo You
Um bom álbum para se ouvir. Nem parece Beatles, e parece muito um álbum onde o artista só colocou as músicas que queria. Destaque para o final do álbum: Momma Miss America, Singalong Junk, Maybe I'm Amazed e Kreen-Akrore.
Paul eu te vejo como um pai!!! Um álbum com uma vibe meio lo-fi, super gostosinho de ouvir. É realmente o maior que nós temos! Destaques: Maybe I'm amazed, Man we was lonely, Oo You
It's cool to hear what is basically demo tracks for Paul's first solo venture. Sure, some of these songs might have been even better with John's, George's, and (to a lesser extent) Ringo's influence. But they're still good songs (a couple great ones), and they all show what a talented musician he was/is. Definitely worthy of the list.
Paul McCartney: the original Wife Guy
4/5
This was interesting. Quite an eclectic mix of songs, some of them very short, a few instrumentals, some nice guitar and melodies here and there, some nasty drumming. It wasn't too long and overall I enjoyed it enough for 4 stars, which was a surprise. I liked the lo-fi feel and the fact it sounded more like a demo tape than a fully realised album.
Some OK tunes or rather, parts of tunes, but mainly, meh
Nothing crazy, but I like it more than most Beatles albums
This album is so good. Didn't except much as I only knew “maybe I'm amazed” and loved that song, but, all the songs in this album are easily 5/5.
Look. It's a shame when the album isn't as interesting as it's context. Wish I could love it, as I am a Paul fan, but the project is half-baked, bar one or two tracks. When comparing to John Lennon/Yoko Ono Band and All Things Must Pass, this is wildly below par. There is a lack of maturity or seriousness in this, and I'm sure when the other Beatles heard it, they would've been pissed.
I liked this a lot. Felt like I was hanging out with friends (albeit some very talented one) while they were just jamming to some music. Very chill vibes
It's alright. No standout tracks and no dross either.
There's not much to this album except for "Maybe I'm Amazed." It's not a bad album to listen to, but there really isn't anything spectacular about it. Of all his solo works to choose from, I don't know if this is the one to make a "must listen" list.
Credit to "Maybe I'm Amazed" but otherwise I agree with the criticisms saying this feels rough and half-unfinished.
Maybe Paul's "granny songs" weren't that bad John
lots of nice melodies on songs that didn't feel particularly substantial, but maybe that's just a first listen thing. maybe i'm amazed stood out
Ihan hyvää musisointia, en kuuntelisi toiste kuitenkaan.
McCartney is one of the greatest song writers of his generation but should have quit while he was ahead.
Really zoned out with this one listening to the guitar solos Love the sound, great stuff 5 ⭐️
Sounds like he got drunk and recorded this in one afternoon. Probably didn't even remember making it the next day. Not gonna lie, I fuck with it. Minus 30 points for not being the one with "Temporary Secretary" - Paul's greatest musical achievement.
Beatles, Solo, Amateur, British, Celebrity, Farting, Old, Ruined orgasm
This was known since before but Paul is not the reason why the Beatles suck. Anyways, I misheard the lyrics to the end of Oo You and thought he said "Look like a woman, ooh Dress like a lady, ooh Talk like a baby, cunny, cunny, cunny, cunny, uuoohh Love you like a woman, ooh" and it shocked me greatly
I just don't get all the fuss about Sir McCartney
Turns out, Paul McCartney is just a strange dude. I guess that makes sense, though. I mean, what else are you supposed to do after you quit one of the most beloved, most accessible bands in history where you were known as the “traditional” one, but make weird, quasi-experimental music? McCartney is definitely not what I expected. I don’t think anyone expected it, to be honest. It’s 1/3 loose instrumental jams, 1/3 joke piss-take songs, and 1/3 nuggets of an idea that are never fleshed out much. None of it is particularly bad, mind you, and I think McCartney got more annoying and more ADHD later on in his solo career and with Wings, but the ADHD bounce-around-and-never-flesh-anything-out is a huge weakness. In fact, it’s what keeps this album from being great. There’s definitely some very good songs here – “That Would Be Something,” “Every Night,” and “Maybe I’m Amazed” – but they’re surrounded by ✨Ideas, Not Songs™️✨. Again, none of those ideas are bad, but they’re just not…quite there. As a result, McCartney feels like an escape from the biggest band in the world, not an authentic solo debut. And maybe Paul is just a strange little guy who never made a perfect solo album worthy of being included on this list. But also, based on the autoplay that happened after this record ended, justice for Ram.
Dated sounding short album 2 not back tracks and the rest totally forgettable
Pretty much all of the good and the bad is right here for McCartney. At times, this album is entirely too twee and sentimental. But it’s also wildly creative virtuosic. There are a lot of half baked ideas, but a half baked idea for McCartney at this time is still inventive. The man could just sneeze out a great hook without thinking about it. Still, this barely registers as an album for me.
Thank god this was only 30 min
I understand the historical significance of the album but it's so barebones and boring.
This is probably a 3 but only because of a couple of songs, so I'm giving it a 2 for not holding up all the way through.
A charming little album with a DIY aesthetic. I've heard that some consider this the FIRST lo-fi indie rock album and it definitely has that feel. Some throw away songs for sure but there is plenty here to sink your teeth into, and I appreciate the spontaneous feel of many of the songs. Plus it does have one of McCartney's very best songs as a solo artist in Maybe I'm Amazed. 4 stars.
Maybe an unpopular opinion but Sir Paul's foray into the singer-songwriter track is a journey to Dullsville. Impressive, of course, that he singularly wrote, played, sang, and recorded this nearly entirely on his own... so no hate there. The home-studio effect just doesn't charm me. Baby I'm Amazed is the standout exception.
Another reviewer said it best - this album is very much like hanging out with Paul. It's stripped of pomp and is unfinished, making for a very interesting listen. It also feels as though it doesn't care TOO much about making tons of money. Maybe I'm Amazed implies that it does care a little, but, maybe not a lot.
Das Album McCartney von Paul McCartney hat mich leider nicht überzeugt. Obwohl es sicherlich einen interessanten Einblick in sein Soloschaffen bietet, wirkt es auf mich insgesamt eher unfertig und experimentell. Die Songs sind meist simpel aufgebaut und es fehlen die raffinierten Arrangements und eingängigen Melodien, die man von McCartney kennt. Die Eigenproduktion und die teils improvisiert wirkenden Instrumentalstücke sind zwar mutig, schaffen es aber nicht, den emotionalen Tiefgang oder die musikalische Dichte seiner Beatles-Zeit zu erreichen. Für eingefleischte Fans mag es ein interessantes Stück Musikgeschichte sein, doch mich hat es nicht wirklich abgeholt.
A solid album since he played everything on the record. Almost the whole thing was recorded in his home.
If you go into this expecting the Beatles, you’re going to come out disappointed. It’s very laid back, however. It seems like some of the material could have used some polishing before recording, but that’s also part of the charm.
McCartney honestly was not really what i was expecting it to be. After listening to 3 Beatles albums so far, i was expecting Paul's solo effort to sound a lot like his work with them but my expectations were very subverted. Not only was the music a lot more experimental feeling in nature, but his voice didn't sound like what it sounded like in The Beatles and i can give this album credit for being something i didn't expect. While the first part of the album was pretty forgettable, It was when Oo You hit when i really started to find things to like about this album. This album isn't perfect but it is still one i enjoyed a decent amount. Best Song: Momma Miss America Worst Song: The Lovely Linda
I enjoy this record, who knew the guy from Wings had it in him! Momma Miss America will always be my jam! Maybe I'm Amazed is arguably the best solo Beatles song?
Fun little pop rock album. 3.5/5
This is interesting- it helps to separate the Lennon from the McCartney in the last few albums of ramblings (Abbey, White and Let it Be). Pleasant songs- like he sat down and jammed in his loft. Nothing really special and Wings did it better.....
Definitely sounds like a work in progress. Being a big fan of The Beatles, I nevertheless enjoyed this album which also included some of The Beatles' archived tunes.
Paul McCartney...perfection
Ei huono! Tykkään tästä lo-fi -tyylistä! 3/5
McCartney halunnut varmaan pelkistyksellään erottua Beatlesistä, mutta menee musta vähän liian riisutun puolelle. 3/5
I loved how laid back and casual this was. Stand-outs: Every Night, Singalong Junk
Really a strange choice from a music perspective for this one. Feels like half of an album at best with most of the songs being bland instrumentals, and the other half being pretty boring. Was it only included because of its infamy? I don’t get it. 4/10
Really interesting to hear this album with its context. I agree with the contemporary reviews that said many songs sounded unfinished, but still, there's something there. The album has a distinctly Paul McCartney charm to it, and as a recording project, experimenting with instrumentation and being the first record on which Paul played everything, it is fascinating.
Ehhhhh... okay.
Three stars because Paul.
Claramente é marcado pela transição suave do universo dos Beatles para um novo capítulo de criatividade e liberdade artística. Sendo que tem "Maybe I'm Amazed", absolutamente fantástica.
I really liked this, just fun music, nothing prolific or ground-breaking. Just fun. Even if you don't like McCartney, at least the album is fast.
Passed me by without anything of note
Cocky fucker thought he could just toss off some half-baked song sketches and it would still be great because he was such a genius. Got too big for your britches there Macca! Maybe those other three blokes were bringing something to the table, huh? These are perfectly fine demos, and well they should be because they were made by one of the greatest songwriters and performers of all time, but they are still just demos. If he had taken these into the studio with some other talented people then they could have worked on them and maybe gotten two or three album-worthy songs out of them. But instead he just released them. How contemptuous of his audience and what a waste of his talent. Lazy and hubristic, Mr. McCartney. Lazy and hubristic.
A couple of tracks I enjoyed, but most was not as enjoyable
This was the first time I got this album. Really good
Songs from this usually end up in my Spotify shuffling, but this was the first time I’ve listened to the album in its entirety. Not a hot take but I really love Maybe I’m Amazed
Very pleasant listening. Not sure that any of these songs besides Maybe I'm Amazed are super great but I had fun
Torn between: -Appreciation of his lo-fi underproduced sound oozing with great melodies, hooks, and ideas -Disappointment that he couldn't have taken his time and/or worked with other talented musicians (such as John, George, and Ringo...) to fully fledge out these songs because they had the potential to be so much more.
This was an unexpected delight. It felt more raw and personal than the material he recorded and released later in the 1970s. I can see why it's on this list. Thanks to Cameron Crowe and the movie "Jerry Maguire," I know 2 more tracks on here than I originally would have. It may not be a 5/5, but this was quite enjoyable and I could easily see myself listening to this again at some point.
I enjoyed this one more then his wings debut. This one felt more personal and honest and real
Late-era Beatles : kinda dull. First solo album from one of The Beatles : kinda dull.
Quite easy to listen to, but it can lack direction at times. Paul is still good here though, with a lot of the songs just sounding good in the background whilst you do something. Also Paul really loved Linda.
Vuodessa 70 on kyllä taikaa, täähän on hyvä levy! Eikä kuulosta McCartneylta siinä mielessä, että imelyyttä ei ole kuin häivähdys. Maybe I’m amazed kuulosti melkein paikoin Lennonilta. Erittäin positiivinen yllätys, kun oltiinkin näin rock. Tosin viimeistä biisiä en tajua yhtään, se kuulostaa vain laitteiden testailulta studiossa. Plussaa myös kannesta, haluisin tän printtinä. En kuitenkaan uskalla antaa kolmosta, tuntuu ettei tää kestä toista kuuntelua.
Tässä on kiinnostava alavire, joka saattaa olla illuusio, mutta joka saa kuuntelemaan kaikki biisit alusta loppuun ainakin kertaalleen. Joka tapauksessa levy on hätäinen kyhäelmä: artistilla on selvästi ollut omat, idiosynkraattiset tavoitteensa. Entä onko Maybe I'm Amazed ilmiselvästi paras raita? En ole niin varma.
What I have always liked about this album is that it wasn't meant to be a 5 star record. It was just Paul doing what he does. He recorded it at home and got his wife to sing a little. When I was a teenager dreaming of being a musician, this album showed me that you could just record on a 4-track in your bedroom and still do something worthwhile. It didn't need perfection; the imperfections are what gave it character.
It felt experimental and unfinished, which seemed very intentional.
I can practically feel Paul’s excitement to finally be free of the Beatles and be able to have complete musical control of a project in the songwriting structure of these tracks. It doesn’t always click for me, but still an excellently crafted album
A few solid tunes and a few weak ones. As a whole -much less than most would expect from McCartneys solo debut. But “Maybe I’m Amazed” is a def classic.
Well done on the solo recording—this feels like a sketchbook, loose and unguarded. It seems like he pushed it out a little prematurely, maybe even vindictively in the wake of the breakup; I’d probably be more into it if I were closer to the Beatles drama it’s quietly reacting to.
Pretty pleasant, Paul. I kinda liked most of the instrumental songs, as well as "Maybe I'm Amazed".
Really didn’t do anything for me, a bit wishy washy and nothing particularly stood out. I’m sure someone really appreciates the musicianship here, but it’s not me
McCartney is the debut solo album by Paul McCartney, originally released in 1970. This album has a really intimate feel to it. He recorded it at a home studio, and it shows. Not saying that the content is low quality, moreso that it's not extremely polished or produced. I think that's a strength of this album. Some of the ideas are a bit half-baked but I think it adds to the charm. I'm sure people were clamoring for new Beatle-adjacent content by the time the band broke up. I'm very surprised at the amount of instrumental tracks on here. I guess Paul really wanted to flex his chops. I think this is a really fun record that was quite fitting for release in the wake of the Beatle drama.
I guess there's detractors of this album that it's incomplete or half-done, but these songs are great as they are. Solid songs with some great musicianship.
So Paul proving that, chilling at his house, he was the best guitarist in the band, broke up the Beatles? Anyhow, not all these lo-fi experiments are successful, but many are quite lovely, especially the instrumentals. I’m glad these songs were recorded here, as I worry if they had been brought to the Beatles, John would have rejected many out of hand.
i actually thought i was gonna hate this but it’s actually very good, low 4
Pre-listening thoughts: my favorite Beatle often alternates between Paul and George so I am a little excited for this! I also know and like Paul’s stuff with the Wings so I feel like I’m familiar enough with his solo stuff to know what to expect. Post/during listening thoughts: this is about 90% what I expected lol. I didn’t expect this many instrumental tracks though. I feel like Paul just has a lot of fun with his music and that is so apparent listening to this album. Fun, short songs with interesting instrument use and catchy melodies. Where can you go wrong? 7/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah just listen to the Beatles Fav tracks: That Would Be Something, Every Night, Man We Was Lonely, Maybe I’m Amazed Least fav tracks: n/a
It's fine other solo stuff is better
Why has Paul McCartney always sung like a 70-year-old man
Being a casual but appreciative fan of the Beatles for years, this feels like a classic "lost tapes" album that you see pop up every so often these days, but it was released years ago and unfortunately panned into obscurity. Despite the context in which it was released, I'm glad it's appeared on this list as I'm sure I would never have heard it otherwise. On display here is McCartney's deft but gentle touch on a number of simple songs or musical sketches, harking back to the early Beatles days. What's different and miraculous is that this album feels close and intimate, like he's performing for you in the room. For a figure as mercurial as Paul McCartney this is a huge triumph and I think it elevates this album, I can't think of many albums from musical megastars that give such a feeling. It also helps that I was listening to this album when I needed cheering up, which it certainly did.
Softspoken and wondrous, harsh and outspoken when necessary. Although it lacks a musical intricacy it pulls me in with amazing lyrics and strings me along with its simplicity and thoughts.
rated as respect 3 star... Äänimaisema muuttuu kokonaan wild shit.. wth!! Perud soitattelua..
wow - you can hear how some of these songs would surely be Beatles classics "Maybe I'm Amazed," "Every Morning" "Junk". Gems, Love this album.
3.3 1x SFO->LAX in airport
As a McCartney glazer myself, this was a nice relisten. Paul's amateurish qualities really help the album. Although some of the songs are lackluster in quality overall, you end up with a more personal and informal piece of work, which I love. Plus, when you hear the songs that do hit, it makes up for some of the mid that is on here. Top 3 Fav: Junk, Every Night, and Maybe I'm Amazed Top 3 Worst: no bad songs but their was some mid 3.50/5
Not sure why this is here since it's not one of the great Beatles members' solo albums. It does have Maybe I'm Amazed which could be the best McCartney post Beatles song. Much of the rest of the album sounds like slightly polished demo quality songs.
In a nutshell: half baked is an understatement. Like a wide-eyed beginner given the skeleton key to a studio and granted free reign to record whatever they want, McCartney is a mess. For an accomplished musician, I'd expect more. Some nice instrumental stuff but it needed A LOT more direction instead of making it the Paul and Linda Show. Overall: 3/10
El primer disco en solitario de Paul McCartney debió ser curioso escucharlo por primera vez con los Beatles tan próximos y sin saber que nunca más se reunirían. Me han gustado «Every Night» y «Maybe I'm Amazed».
band on the run was better; 1 liked songs
Favourite tracks: that would be something; junk; maybe I'm amazed; oo you